Brown stakes claim to be a full-time Minsterman

Brown stakes claim to be a full-time Minsterman

FORMER Bradford City and Nottingham Forest striker David Brown will go on trial for home-town club York City at Tadcaster Albion tonight (7.30pm).

Buxton midfielder Anton Foster and ex-Gretna winger Nathan Taylor will also play for the Minstermen at Ings Lane on the same basis.

City boss Colin Walker had previously stated that he would not be considering trialists ahead of the new campaign, but has chosen to cast his eye over the trio as his team’s pre-season programme gets underway at their Northern Counties East League first division neighbours.

Brown, 19, spent ten years on Leeds United’s books before leaving to join Forest last summer.

But he failed to break into the first team at the City Ground and, following a loan spell at Eastwood Town where he scored five goals in ten games, went on trial at Bradford.

He netted three goals for the Bantams in two reserve matches and, after being awarded a short-term contract, hit the target two days later as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 League Two victory over Macclesfield on his debut.

Brown went on to make four more appearances – all from the bench – but was one of 13 players released by Bradford boss Stuart McCall at the end of the season.

Winger Taylor, 18, enjoyed six substitute outings for Gretna last season after previously plying his trade at Hamilton Academical, while combative 25-year-old midfielder Foster has spent the last three seasons at Buxton.

He has also played for Sheffield FC, Ilkeston, Alfreton, Gedling Town and Belper in the past. About the purpose of tonight’s friendly, Walker said: “The main exercise of the game is to help Tadcaster out, but we will be looking at those three lads and they will figure for most of the match. Everybody in the squad will also be going to Tadcaster although not everybody will play as it’s still early in our pre-season.”

City have signed Daniel McBreen, Michael Ingham, Mark Greaves, Ben Wilkinson, Steven Hogg and Niall Henderson over the summer and Walker confirmed that “most” of the new players would feature against Tadcaster.

But Australian striker McBreen might sit the game out following the recent cartilage clean-up operation on his knee.

Walker said: “We need to look after Daniel as he had an operation three weeks ago. It was nothing serious though and he’s been training well.”

The City boss declared himself pleased with the condition of all his players after the summer break, reserving particular praise for Jimmy Beadle and Darren Kelly, who have both lost a stone in weight.

He also revealed that 33-year-old utility man Greaves will be the club captain next season.

Said Walker: “He’s a leader and has got vast experience in League football so I think he’s the ideal man for the job.”

He said: “I’m sure he’s very happy to be in the game again. They are one of his old clubs and we all know he will give 110 per cent effort at whatever club he’s working for.”

City have advised fans intending to watch Friday night’s home friendly against Leeds United in the Main Stand, Family Stand and Enclosure to buy their tickets in advance.

Supporters can call at the ticket office between 9am and 5pm or phone 01904 624447 and pay by credit/debit card with a £1 surcharge.

Any tickets left unsold will be on sale prior to kick off and cash turnstiles will be open for the David Longhurst and Popular Stands.

Leeds fans should buy their tickets in advance from Elland Road but, if last season’s beaten League One play-off finalists do not sell their 2,700 allocation, then cash turnstiles will be open on the night for the away end.

* Former York City loan striker Jon Shaw has signed for last season’s League Two play-off finalists Rochdale.

Shaw scored 20 goals in 38 starts for Halifax Town during 2007/08, but has left the Shay after the club’s demotion from the Blue Square Premier.

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